OUR MISSION: The Education Center fosters lifelong learning by offering high-quality, engaging programs in a welcoming and inclusive setting. We inspire personal growth, encourage intellectual exploration, and cultivate a community where adults come together to learn, connect, and thrive.
As long time students, Linda Reilly & Allen Ross, put it, “If it weren’t for The Education Center, we wouldn’t be on Longboat Key.”
The Education Center, although secular, is under Temple Beth Israel’s 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization umbrella – EIN 59-1970401, offering non-credit courses for adults in the fine and applied arts, humanities, liberal arts, natural and social sciences, as well as, recreational classes, lecture series, performing arts programs, and field trips to local parks, organizations, theaters and museums.
Our events draw a broad cross-section of the community, and we consistently experience thoughtful and respectful audiences. Providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone is a responsibility we take seriously.
567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Florida 34228, on the West side of the building.
(Landmark clues: We are one street north of Publix, just past the LBK Post Office at the end of the cul-de-sac.)
Academic Calendar 2027
(Open for Registration-November) Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10 – 5
No Classes: This Fall
Winter Term Begins: Monday, January 4, 2027 through April, 2027
Online registration is under renovation and will be available after the new page is completed some time this Fall. The 2027 brochure will be uploaded accordingly.
Whether registering online, email, mail or by phone, payment by check or credit card, must follow within one week to finalize registration. Make checks payable to The Education Center at TBI
REFUNDS are ONLY offered if/when a program is CANCELLED BY THE ED CENTER. As a courtesy to our supportive Friends, withdraw from programs up to one week prior to program commencement for transfer to another program or donation will be enabled. Any difference in cost will be reflected in balance due or remaining credit for transfer or donation within time limits. Credits are honored according to policy and must be used by the end of the school season. Any remaining credit on file will be considered a donation if unused.
All guests must be registered prior to entering a program as applicable to all students. Guest fees can be pro-rated at standard rate.
Friends of The Ed Center
Becoming a Friend of The Education Center entitles students to reduced fees, priority registration, the ability to transfer between programs and supports our service to the community.
From one of our friends…”Finding the Ed Center was a windfall for me. The extraordinary variety of classes – and the welcoming community – turned my early, lonely years on LBK into something joyful and fulfilling. I took classes every day, sometimes at night, because every instructor I met was first-rate. The Ed Center continues to enrich my life and the lives of so many others.”
Nancy Prendergast
Susan Goldfarb—Program Director
Charity Kurtyka—Program Administrator
Carl Kurtyka—Technical Director
Faculty & Lead Performers are listed in the Brochure